Today is a big day for Apple fans (at least those in the U.S.) who want to secure an iPad as soon as they’re available. Pre-orders kicked off this morning at 8:30 am EST and I interrupted my morning get-the-craziness-out-of-your-system-so-I-can-work play session with the dogs to get one. After a few minutes of mad clicking and frantically searching for the in-store pick up option, I pre-ordered the 64GB 3G model and also reserved a 16GB wi-fi one to pick up on April 3 for the hell of it.
The beauteous order confirmation email
When the pre-orders were first announced, Apple stated that only the wi-fi versions could be pre-ordered and I only found out last night via Twitter (thanks, mac-fusiongirl!) that the 3G version could be pre-ordered as well. To be frank, that threw a bit of a wrench in my plans since I had planned to pre-order a wi-fi version to tide me over until the 3G one was available (after which I’d return or eBay the wi-fi one). I hadn’t counted on the 3G version being available for pre-order but I am quite happy that I was able to secure on in advance and I still might pick up the wi-fi one I ordered as well so I have *something* to play with on April 3.
I didn’t order any accessories for it like the keyboard dock or the case (I read over at iLounge.com that the case feels a bit cheap, surprisingly). I want to get a sense of how I’ll use it before I pony up for those. However, I can picture wanting two cases for it. One silicone/other skin case to make it easy to hold and for light protection around the house, and another one high-quality one with a cover that could double as a stand for use when traveling. Ideally, I’d love some kind of portfolio case with a notepad on the other side or something. Yes, it may sound cheesy but I have a thing for paper and pens (shopping for school supplies as a child was heavenly for me) and would like a case that does a little more than just hide my iPad.
I’m still counting on being able to somehow use the SIM card from my current AT&T 3G modem (I’m thinking I might find a shop that can duplicate the SIM to a blank MicroSIM instead of cutting the SIM so it will fit). If that fails, I suspect I’ll be taking advantage of the $14.99 250MB month-to-month plan from AT&T in months when I expect I’ll be out and about and will need it. I really can’t picture needing to use the unlimited data plan unless I am traveling without my MacBook Air for an extended period.
Did you order an iPad today? If so, which one? Did you order any accessories to go with it?
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